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SSI Moves To Empower Residents Of N’Delta Communities

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A faith-driven, non-profit humanitarian and development organisation based in Port Harcourt, the Solution Social Initiative(SSI) has taken a bold step to help and empower some disadvantaged persons residing in some communities of the Niger Delta region, by holding its first strategic meeting.

 

The Director of SSI, Prophet Efe Cyril Edah, who highlighted the importance of the organisation while speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt on Saturday, said he was motivated to establish the body after recognising the fact that several persons were suffering in the Niger Delta and needed help without such help coming forth.

 

He noted that the organisation was established to reach out to such persons in critical sectors like education, health and youth empowerment.

 

According to him, the SSI, which is a social impact arm of his church, the Solution Prayer Power Divine Ministry was established to restore hope to the hopeless and neglected people of some communities in the Niger Delta, including widows and orphans.

 

He said the organisation is targeting Ogoni communities, Eleme and Ahoada in Rivers State; and other communities in Delta, Akwa Ibom and Edo States.

 

Prophet Edah, the General Overseer of Solution Prayer Power Divine Ministry gave more insight into the activities and goals of SSI in his welcome address during the body’s first strategic meeting in Port Harcourt.

 

According to him, the meeting marked a significant milestone in the body’s shared journey to bring hope, dignity and practical hope to those who need it most.

 

As the social impact arm of his church, he said the organisation was birthed from a vision to restore lives, uplift communities, and be a beacon of light to the disadvantaged, especially in the Niger Delta and other underserved regions of Nigeria.

 

He disclosed that the mission of SSI is rooted in action, by transforming lives in critical sectors of the society, including education, health, youth empowerment, emergency humanitarian relief, and most especially, the empowerment of women.

 

The SSI Director said, “We are committed to ensuring that women in underserved communities gain access to education, vocational training, entrepreneurial opportunities and the advocacy needed to secure their rights. In doing so,we align ourselves with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), particularly those that promote gender equality, social inclusion and economic independence.”

 

He further noted that the first strategic meeting of the organisation was more than an administrative gathering, as it is the birthplace of its strategic direction, strategically designed for the members and other participants to chart its course; strengthen its operational structures; and define clear priorities that would enable it to maximise impact and sustain growth.

 

He, therefore, urged the members to think boldly, plan wisely, and act decisively, saying, “Remember, the work before us is not for personal gain, but for the transformation of lives and the upliftment of communities, who without our intervention may remain unseen and unheard.”

 

On his part, the Programme Coordinator of SSI, Ambassador Fidelis Onakpoma, presented a comprehensive report, highlighting the organisation’s recent achievements, which included strategic partnerships with government agencies, embassies and international organisations; the launch of the GROW-Her Project, empowering women and girls in the Niger Delta; a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with CDF-GWDN; a scholarship award programme, benefiting underserved students; and targeted humanitarian interventions for Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs).

 

The meeting equally featured an online introduction session with S SI’s international partner, signalling the organisation’s expanding global collaboration network and readiness to align with international best practices in humanitarian response and development work.

 

It was also revealed that the day’s proceedings reaffirmed the body’s commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) through grassroots impact, strategic partnerships, and faith-driven compassion.

 

With this bold and audacious initiative, analysts and keen observers said it is clear that SSI has set a clear foundation for growth, accountability, and greater humanitarian reach across Nigeria and beyond.

 

During the meeting, key executives of the organisation were officially presented their appointment letters, including Mr Ogieriakhi Osayuwamen Pedro as Financial Director; Barrister Ekwebelem Chikwendu as Legal Director; and Evangelist Destiny Ese as Welfare and Logistics Officer, among others.

 

The Programme Director, Ambassador Fidelis Onakpoma said in an interview that he was amazed when the Director introduced the idea of establishing the social impact arm of the Solution Prayer Divine Ministry, saying, he tapped into the idea and resolved to assist SSI achieve its goals using his vast connections and expertise.

 

He said it is Biblical and also compulsory for churches to have their social impact arm like SSI, stressing that while healing is the spiritual dimension, feeding the flocks with physical food is the social dimension.

 

Ambassador Onakpoma stressed the need for perceived disadvantaged persons in the society not to be neglected and abandoned but to be encouraged that they still have hope.

 

According to him, the youths should avoid crime and embrace peace.

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Niger Delta

Bayelsa Tasks Security Agencies On Vigilance Over Waring Communities 

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The Bayelsa State Government has urged the Police and other security agencies to beef up security in and around Letugbene and Ogbotubo Communities of Ekeremor Local Government Area of the state to prevent the destruction of lives and property.
Deputy Governor of the State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, gave the directive during recently at a meeting held with the leaders of both communities and top government functionaries in his office in Government House, Yenagoa.
He said the directive has become imperative in view of renewed skirmishes between the two neighbouring communities following a boundary dispute over the ownership of a piece of land where the Renaissance Africa Energy Company (formerly SHELL) had sited a project.
While calling on the people of Ogbotubo and Letugbene communities to maintain their long-standing cordial relationship over the years, the Deputy Governor stressed the need for communities not to allow oil companies to divide them to cause intra and inter-communal crises.
He warned that government would hold the leadership of both communities, including the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairmen and Youth Presidents responsible, in the event of any further violent attacks in the area.
Setting up an eleven-man committee to look into the boundary dispute, the Deputy Governor further urged the representatives of Letugbene and Ogbotubo communities to make their claims, including previous court judgements and agreements, available to the committee without any delay.
The Committee, which has one month to conclude its assignment, is Chaired by the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mr. Perepuighe Biewari.
The Secretary to the State Boundary Committee is to serve as Secretary, while the Commissioner for Special Duties, Bayelsa West, Chief Michael Magbisa, the Chairman of Ekeremor Local Government Area, Hon. Onniye Isaac, and the state Surveyor General, Margaret Geku, are members.
Other members include the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, CP Akpoebi Agberebi (Rtd); Chairman of Alabeni Rural Development Authority, Mr. Eddy Brayei; Technical Adviser on Boundary Matters, Chief Vote Salem; his Special Duties counterpart, Mr. Tonworimi Embiowei; and one nominee each from the offices of the Attorney General and Commissioner of Police.
By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa
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Niger Delta

NDLEA, NNPC Partner Against Adolescents Drug Abuse

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has partnered with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to curb rising drug abuse among youths in Edo State.
The collaboration was unveiled on Wednesday at the 2025 Adolescent Lifestyle Programme in Benin, organised by the NNPC, with the theme: “Empowered Choices, Safer Futures: Guiding Adolescents to Healthy Living.”
The event brought together adolescents, educators, health professionals, and community leaders to address the risks associated with substance abuse.
It also aims to equip youths with the knowledge to make healthier lifestyle choices.
Addressing participants, Commander of the NDLEA in Edo, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said adolescents remained highly vulnerable to drug use, peer pressure, and online influences that could derail their future.
“We are excited about this collaboration with NNPC, which underscores our shared commitment to nurturing a healthier, drug-free generation.
“Adolescents are exposed to risk factors both online and offline; as a result, programmes like these are vital in providing them with the support and resources they need to navigate the complexities of life,” Ofoyeju said.
The NDLEA boss highlighted the psychological and societal consequences of drug use, stressing the need for young people to embrace resilience, peer support, and empowered decision-making as safeguards against substance abuse.
In his address, the NNPC Manager of Operations, Dr Okanta Emefiele, reaffirmed the corporation’s commitment to youth development.
He stressed that investing in adolescents’ health and empowerment was vital to building a safer and stronger society.
The programme also featured workshops led by health, sexuality, and online safety experts.
Similarly, a session on migration and human trafficking was delivered by Mr Sam Offiah, Benin Zonal Commander of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.
Interactive group sessions gave participants the chance to share experiences and learn practical ways of resisting drug-related temptations.
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Why We’re Reviving Govt Media Houses -RSG

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The Rivers State Government says the ongoing efforts to revive the government-owned media houses in the State are geared towards making the government a formidable information outlet for the citizenry.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, gave the explanation while receiving the Executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, South South (Zone F) on Wednesday in his office.
Sirawoo said the government-owned media organisations have the resources and manpower to inform, educate and enlighten the populace, hence the current efforts to revamp them.
“We believe that our information officers are able to generate information to inform the outside world what is happening in Rivers,” he said.
He also explained that reviving the media houses would also generate revenue for the ministry, noting that online publication is now a better way of attracting public patronage and generating revenue.
He described the NUJ Zone F Conference as a welcome development, as he pledged the State Government’s support to the confab being held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
He reminded the NUJ to always play the watchdog role by ensuring that public are properly informed and enlightened.
According to him, professionalism remains one path way to build integrity and earn the respect of the public.
Earlier, the Vice President of Zone F, NUJ, Comrade Opaka Dokubo, had told the Permanent Secretary that the zonal meeting  was aimed at appraising operations of the NUJ in the Niger Delta and chart a new course for the profession.
He commended the Permanent Secretary for the efforts being made to revive the government-owned media houses.
“We want to say, indeed, that the government has actually tried in its efforts. We thank the Sole Administrator for handling the situation the way he has done so far,” Dokubo said.
He also commended the cordial relationship journalists have enjoyed with the current administration in the State.
Kevin Nengia
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